KSA sends condolences to crane victims’ families

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet ministers have sent their condolences to the families of the 111 people who died after being struck by a falling crane in the Grand Mosque last Friday.
At the Cabinet meeting at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah on Monday, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman prayed to Allah to bless the souls of the deceased, and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
King Salman thanked the leaders of countries across the globe for their condolences. He ordered government agencies to provide the best services for the injured and their families, and assist them to perform their Haj rituals.
In addition, he urged government officials to ensure they provide quality services for pilgrims during this year’s Haj. He said it was an honor and duty for officials to serve the pilgrims.
The Cabinet condemned the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque, and said it was a violation of its sanctity by the Israeli occupation forces. It said such crimes must be stopped, including the building of settlements.
The Cabinet reaffirmed its support for the Syrian people; and condemned the terrorist attack that targeted security officers at the Al-Kamees police station in Bahrain.
King Salman briefed the Cabinet on his talks with President Joko Widodo of the Republic of Indonesia, commending the strong relations between the two countries.
The Cabinet ministers expressed pride at having brave soldiers defend the Yemeni people against aggressors in that country.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet congratulated King Salman on his official visit to the United States. King Salman thanked the President of the United States Barack Obama for assisting in developing a new, deeper partnership between the two nations.
The Cabinet also reviewed the decisions taken by the 144th session of the council of the Arab League and its firm position on various issues.
The Cabinet also welcomed the United Nations General Assembly’s decision to recognize Palestine as an observer state and said it was a diplomatic achievement and an additional step toward full membership.
The Cabinet issued a series of decisions including approval for the Qatar National Bank to open a branch in the Kingdom provided that it abides by applicable bank regulations.
The Cabinet also approved a memorandum of understanding signed with Algeria on communication and information technology.